Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Texas Legislature Approves $100M for Health Sciences Center

  • By Matt Jones
  • 10/20/21

The Texas Legislature recently approved $100 million for the construction of a health sciences building on the campus of Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas. The funds come as part of a $3.3 billion campus construction project approved for universities around the state as the legislature’s special session came to a close, according to a news release.

“This state investment is a game-changer for Texas Woman’s, as the new building will allow the Denton campus to expand programming in high-need, health-related fields such as nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy and mental health, just to name a few,” said Chancellor Carine M. Feyten. “The benefit will be felt throughout the Texas Woman’s University System by alleviating pressure on the clinical programs in Dallas and Houston as well, better positioning all three campuses to grow as we operationalize our status as the first university system in the nation with a commitment to women.”

The bill was added to the agenda’s special session less than a week before it was approved. Feyten thanked three Denton County legislators (Sen. Drew Springer, Sen. Jane Nelson and Rep. Lynn Stucky) for securing the funds on such short notice. During testimony before the legislature during its regular session, Feyten requested funds for a health science facility on the Denton campus. She said the building would feature classrooms, offices, clinical space and laboratories and that it would replace existing but aging health facilities requiring significant renovation or expansion.

The building is estimated to cover 250,000 square feet and will come with a price tag of $108 million. The legislature’s funding would cover 92% of that. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott must still sign the bill before it can take effect.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Photo credit - Chuck Coates

    Florida District Modernizes Central Energy Plants at Two High Schools

    Flagler Schools, a public school district in Flagler County, Fla., recently partnered with Matern Professional Engineering to modernize the central energy plants at two of its high schools, according to a news release. The project is part of a larger, district-wide effort to reduce energy costs and operational expenses.

  • Academy of Classical Education Breaks Ground in Louisiana

    Charter Schools USA (CSUSA) recently announced the groundbreaking of a new public charter school in Covington, La., according to a news release. The Academy of Classical Education at Covington will enroll students in grades K–8 and is scheduled for completion in August 2026, just in time for the new school year.

  • USC Launches Major AI Initiative After $200M Gift

    The University of Southern California in Los Angeles, Calif., recently announced that it has launched a “transformational” new AI initiative thanks to a $200M gift, according to a news release. The project will leverage AI toward breakthroughs and innovations in subjects like the health sciences, business, security, and the arts.

  • Rhode Island Boarding School Completes Student Dorm Renovations

    St. George’s School in Middletown, R.I., recently announced the completion of a $26-million renovation project on Arden-Diman-Eccles Dormitory, according to a news release. The school partnered with Voith & Mactavish Architects (VMA) on the new space, which places a new focus on collaborative community spaces open to both boarding students and day students.